News Summary
The family of Byron Jackson, who died after his arrest by Irmo Police, is demanding the release of body camera footage. Concerns over police accountability and transparency have arisen following the inconsistencies in police reports regarding Jackson’s arrest and subsequent death in the hospital.
Irmo, South Carolina – A family is calling for transparency and the release of police body camera footage following the death of Byron Jackson, a 45-year-old man who died in the hospital on June 25, three days after his arrest by the Irmo Police Department on June 22. The circumstances surrounding Jackson’s arrest and subsequent death have raised significant concerns and prompted a civil rights attorney to step in on behalf of the family.
Jackson’s family asserts that he was not involved in the fight that initially led to the 911 call, claiming that the police’s narrative of events is inconsistent. The Irmo Police Department has stated that the incident began with a report of a fight inside a vehicle, which allegedly led to a pursuit and an altercation with Jackson. Following this confrontation, Jackson was reportedly Tased and subsequently hospitalized after experiencing difficulties in breathing. His family was not informed of his hospitalization until several hours later, and he was initially listed as a “John Doe” in the hospital.
Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale has indicated that an investigation is underway by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which has placed limitations on any further public statements to ensure proper procedure during the investigation. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has yet to complete the autopsy report or provide a formal cause of death.
Adding to the family’s concerns, the police have not released the names of the officers involved in Jackson’s arrest, who have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Confusion remains over whether Jackson was in police custody at the time of his death, as the police department has issued contradictory statements regarding this matter.
Attorney Bakari Sellers, representing the Jackson family, held a news conference to demand not only the release of the body camera footage from the arrest but also greater transparency from the police department regarding the events leading up to Jackson’s death. Sellers confirmed that body camera footage exists and urged the department to either release this footage to the public or allow the family access to review it. He highlighted that the definition of custody does not necessarily hinge on being read one’s Miranda rights, stating that the act of being Tased or subdued constitutes custody, regardless of formal arrest protocols.
Contrary to the police report, Sellers claims that there was no high-speed chase and that Jackson was driving a utility van that had mechanical issues at the time of the incident. According to police statements, the events included a low-speed collision where Jackson ended up in a ravine before being taken into custody. Jackson’s family has called for clarity and accountability, aiming to reconcile the discrepancies in the police account of events and to better understand the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.
Byron Jackson was a father of six children and has been remembered by his mother, Bettie Jackson, as a loving son and father. The community is following this case closely as calls for justice and transparency continue to grow, putting pressure on the local authorities to provide answers. The situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding police accountability and the treatment of individuals in custody.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Byron Jackson Irmo South Carolina
- The State
- Google Scholar: Police Custody Deaths
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Transparency
- WACH
- Google News: Irmo Police Department
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
